A Solid Long Island Takeout Guide: Nassau

Social distancing has changed our lives over the past few weeks. As food lovers, it has impacted us and the hospitality industry in unprecedented ways. Supporting local restaurants has never been more important! All it takes to do your part is place an order and eat! Here’s some solid options around Nassau county for all your takeout + delivery needs. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more: @TheGrubfather

Located in Mineola, this high end, fast-casual restaurant does justice to all the classics, from burgers to lobster rolls. The food really is the catalyst though: Their lobster is shipped in from Maine on the daily and it gets sandwiched on a slew of grub, from burgers to filet mignon. You can even get loaded lobster fries! Go with a classic lobster roll (warm or cold), their staple Surf n Turf sandwich (which went viral a few years ago) or just their Rex burger, which is simple but kinda perfect. The milkshakes deserve an honorable mention too.

Luigi’s of Mineola takes the Long Island pizzeria experience up a few notches with both quality pizza and viral sensations. Feed the family with their garlic knot crusted pie, family sized pasta-stuffed-calzones, or even a giant buffalo chicken roll. What makes this place special is the flour they use in their dough.

Whether you’re closer to their Uniondale or Hewlett location, this is an essential for ordering in quality sandwiches. Pantano’s has steadily been crushing the hero and hot plate game for years + their sides are crazy good too! Try one I helped them create called The Grubfather – it’s a Philly Cheesesteak lover’s dream! Other stands outs include the Burrata Be Kidding Me and the Mac Daddy. See how they’re all made here.

This Garden City newcomer has built a big buzz with their beef brisket and mac & cheese. In the face of the quarantine, they’ve launched $39, $69 & $99 family meals. If you order from the regular menu and spend over $50, you’ll earn yourself a free growler of beer. Now that’s a deal!

Everything here is done right. The warm hospitality is genuine and on point, and when paired with an incredible menu – the results are top notch. Brian, Keleigh, and Chef Matt are tackling this thing with serious dignity and you can get the full scoop on their initiatives here. Highlights include Free Delivery within 5 Miles, Happy Hour On the Go, Kids Eat Free, Brunch To Go and the fact they still have their full menu available. Learn more on this episode of 60 Second Food Show! (& don’t miss this pasta)

New Hyde Park scored a gem with Elsie Lane. Though it looks and feels like a rad basement bar, the food & drink program is something else. Their wings are my favorite on Long Island and their loaded fry platters are just.. gorgeous. They have a deal going down called the Date Pack which features 6 wings, 2 burgers & 2 beers for $40. Also, 10% discount for hospital workers, EMTs, police and the fire department.

This South Hempstead joint was way ahead of the curbside game. They have two menus: North of the Curb & South of the Curb. Each dish out different perspectives of Mexican: New age & traditional where you’ll find crunch-wraps, stocked burritos, tacos, and much more. Tip: Grab a $25 giftcard for $20 or a $50 for $40.

This Westbury staple just opened up their Rockville Centre location and they’re both the perfect place to grab a variety of empanadas, pernil, chicharron and roast chicken. PCG’s ‘Cana Bowls come with rice, beans, protein and the works. Right now they’re running a take-out & delivery special: $10 for three empanadas, rice + beans.

This nautical-driven restaurant is well known for its seafood helmed by my friend Stephen Rosenbluth, whose also pretty distinguished around these parts!. Chef is keeping things fresh with 20% off all menu items. Get the crispy fish tacos. Other takeout packages include a $44.95 deal that gets you a protein, pasta or veggie, caesar or chopped salad and bread + butter. Check it out if you’re in the Merrick area!

This is for your sweet tooth: Cake Don Cupcakes! Grab a dozen artisanal cupcakes for $36, which includes free delivery within Nassau (+ parts of Queens & Suffolk) Don is considered one of Long Island’s most prolific bakers, creating cake designs that have been featured on Food Network and beyond. Our own viral collaboration the Steak Cake got over 300,000 views. .

Fast. Quick. Easy. Delicious. PDQ crushes the fried chicken game in the form of tenders, nuggets, and sandwiches. It’s a cool chain that’s new to Long Island and something I really love is how everything is fried to order. Plus, there’s a drive through. Case closed!